July 4, 2015

Pair-a-phrase

Reading Scripture is not always the most engaging of activities for youth because the words and phrases are so familiar. Sometimes it helps to challenge them to rewrite a passage in their own words without using any of the original words (except to, it, the, and, etc.). Compound the value of the exercise by having the students pair up, making individual paraphrases, then making one together. Invite the students to report their paraphrases and make sure you affirm them, noting the insights that they have expressed. As a result, the students truly process the meaning of the passage to arrive at their own take on the verse.